Lakewood

Situated less than a half hour northeast of Olympia, and just a few minutes south of Tacoma, Lakewood, Washington is a suburban city offering a fine mixture between nature and modern conveniences. With just over 58,000 residents, Lakewood is a thriving community featuring two nearby U.S. military bases, several public and private schools, and a plethora of things to see and do.Originally settled by Indian tribes, the early 19th Century brought the first fur traders to the area. In 1869, the U.S. bought the land that is now Lakewood from Hudson's Bay Company, and settling and development commenced. By the early 20th Century, stately homes and estates were built on the shores of the lakes in the area, gardens were planted, parks were formed, and entertainment began to draw the masses. Even with development remaining steady into the 20th Century, the City of Lakewood was not incorporated until 1996.